Lead MRI Technologist

Date Posted: 03/08/2024
Req ID: 36470
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Dept of Psychology
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Position Number: 00053723

Description:

About us:

The Faculty of Arts & Science is the heart of Canada’s leading university and one of the most comprehensive and diverse academic divisions in the world. The strength of Arts & Science derives from our combined teaching and research excellence in the humanities, sciences and social sciences across 29 departments, seven colleges and 46 interdisciplinary centres, institutes and programs.

We can only realize our mission with the dedication and excellence of engaged staff and faculty. The diversity of opportunities and perspectives within the Faculty reflect the local and global landscape and the need for curiosity, innovative thinking and collaboration. At Arts & Science, we take pride in our legacy of innovation and discovery that has changed the way we think about the world.

Your opportunity:

Established in 1927, the Department of Psychology has for almost a century been a top choice for those pursuing a career in psychological research. The combined expertise of our faculty spans all major areas of psychology and reflects a wide range of approaches to the study of mind, brain, and behaviour. Our department consists of a diverse and internationally recognized faculty, first-rate laboratory facilities, and a tradition of cutting-edge, collaborative research in an inspiring intellectual atmosphere. We take pride in prevailing as an important department in today’s competitive psychology research and education fields.

The Toronto Neuroimaging Facility (ToNI), run by the Department of Psychology, enables cutting-edge brain research by hosting a state-of-the-art whole-body human 3 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system (Siemens Magnetom Prisma). Under general supervision of the MRI Physicist/Engineer, the Lead MRI Technologist oversees and operates this system, as well as the ancillary equipment and Mock scanner that are optimized for brain research. The Lead MRI Technologist plays an important role in maximizing data quality for complex research questions by selecting and conducting optimized MRI measurement protocols. Equally important for this goal is ensuring participants’ comfort and compliance to the scanning procedure and a positive and welcoming interpersonal skills and effective verbal communication skills are key to this role.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Operate a Siemens 3T Prisma system dedicated for neuroimaging research for internal users (Department of Psychology) and external users of the facility.
• Perform advanced magnetic resonance imaging procedures and protocols on human subjects for the exclusive purpose of research. Collaborate with investigators, students, and staff on MRI research projects.
• Provide detailed explanations and demonstrate procedures to students and/or employees on experiment set ups. Disseminate information regarding policies and guidelines to facilities users.
• Conduct proper safety screening of human subjects, ensure informed consent has been obtained prior to each study session.
• Oversee day-to-day operational needs for the MRI facility and collaborate closely with the MR physicist and the facility director to ensure seamless operations of the facility.
• Maintain an MR safe environment for all users of the facility, including human research subjects, research assistants, students, staff, and faculty. Provide safety training and ensure adherence to safety procedures and standards.
• Report any equipment malfunctions promptly to the respective manufacturer.
• Assist in scheduling inquiries and optimize MR scanner bookings for efficiency.
• Maintain records of daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual Quality Assurance (QA) procedures.
• Ensure the successful transfer of DICOM data to the in-house PACS system.

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or acceptable combination of equivalent experience.
• Five (5) years’ relevant experience including operating a magnetic resonance imaging system and its peripheral equipment, and experience using advanced pulse sequences.
• Experience providing safety training and ensuring adherence to safety procedures and standards.
• Experience in coordinating study patients and providing information to patients, in particular: experience with and commitment to maintaining confidentiality and data security.
• Experience with overseeing and troubleshooting scanner and peripheral equipment, experience of peripheral equipment’s technical procedures and applications.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team-oriented environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office (e.g., Excel, Word, SharePoint) and experience with an online scheduling system (e.g., Calpendo).
• Effective organizational and time management skills with the ability to set priorities and to meet deadlines and schedules.
• Thorough understanding of participant key safety issues, such as adverse events, incidents and risks and ability to recognize hazardous situations and take appropriate action.
• Thorough knowledge of the practice of MRI procedures and quality assurance.
• Strong understanding of MR imaging techniques; good working knowledge of MRI physics and MRI research basics.

Assets (Nonessential):

• Registration with the College of Medical Radiation and Imaging Technologists of Ontario (CMRITO).
• Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) membership.
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) program, level II: Basic Rescuer certification.
• Completion of the MRI National Certification Examination conducted by CAMRT or acceptable combination of equivalent experience.
• Previous working experience in a research setting is highly desirable.
• Prior experience with acquiring advanced MRI sequences.
• Magnetic Resonance Safety Officer (MRSO) certification would be considered an asset.
• Prior work experience with the following systems: BOLDscreen 32, Current Design response devices, EyeLink 1000, BIOPAC, Sensimetrics S14 headphones, Opto-Acoustics noise canceling headphones, Calpendo, MATLAB, and PsychoPy.

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Accountable
• Articulate
• Cooperative
• Courteous
• Efficient

Closing Date: 04/01/2024, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:
USW Pay Band 13 -- $83,150 with an annual step progression to a maximum of $106,336. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.
Job Category: Engineering / Technical

Lived Experience Statement
Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.